After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage novel Chapter 55

Luke's mother had been my neighbor when I first ran away from home, still learning to navigate adulthood. Her kindness and wisdom had been a lifeline.

She'd introduced me to Luke when he was eighteen – a rebellious youth who despised education.

We weren't close initially.

Everything changed when his mother fell terminally ill.

In her final days, she'd asked me to watch over Luke if possible. Like a fool, I'd promised.

So I entered Luke's life, somehow connecting with that angry young man.

The next nine years revolved around him. I thought I'd more than fulfilled my promise by then.

"Yvonne? What's on your mind? The guests are waiting." My mother's gentle squeeze brought me back to reality.

My father had thrown an extravagant celebration for my return and impending marriage into the Sterling family.

Brilliant chandeliers made faces blur, while constant chatter and camera flashes created a dizzying atmosphere. As I tried to retreat, Gavin stepped in front, shielding me.

He offered a gentle smile. He seemed genuine – perhaps in another life, meeting him first would have changed everything.

Overwhelmed by strangers, I stayed sober but feigned tipsiness to escape outside. The clouds had dispersed, leaving a cold moon and scattered stars.

In the moonlight, I saw him approaching. Luke, inevitably.

He looked haggard, while Mandy sparkled in her dress, clutching his arm like a parasite.

"Come back," Luke said flatly.

I turned to leave, too weary to argue.

His grip on my wrist made me flinch.

Before Mandy could speak, I slapped her. "I've never seen anyone as pathetic as you."

Her face blanched as tears fell.

Luke released my hand, perhaps fearing he was next. "She's just my sister..." he protested weakly.

I couldn't bear to look at him anymore.

Gavin called from nearby. I smiled and walked to him.

"Do you know him?" he asked.

"You do?"

"Only that he's the Tompson family's recently acknowledged illegitimate heir – their long-lost son."